"The federal government has been paying lip service to the idea that it wants to encourage new businesses and startups in the US. And this is truly important to the economy, as studies have shown that almost all of the net job growth in this country is coming from internet startups. Thankfully some politicians recognize this, but the federal government seems to be going in the other direction. With the JotForm situation unfolding, where the US government shut down an entire website with no notice or explanation, people are beginning to recognize that the US is not safe for internet startups." Not an issue today per se, but if the US government keeps this up, they do run a risk of lobotomising their technology sector.

But Berlin is in Germany, where they speak German. This is not an alternative for California.
I mean, there are a lot of startups everywhere. In my country (France), most of the Web is in French and comes from french startups and established players. There are some successful services that come from foreign countries, like Google and Wikipedia because they are translated in french and the french people are very close culturally from New Zelanders and USAers. In China or Korea, I doubt they use even Google. They have their own startups and businesses that cover their needs.
So no, Berlin is not an alternative to California. It is an impression you get from living in Germany. In the English speaking world, the startups are all in California.

Hmm, have you seen the rate at which German Higher Education is providing English-only courses? Do you realise what this means in terms of skimming off talent from the UK, for example, where the costs of getting a degree are about to skyrocket, not to mention internationally? And German, schmerman: if not entirely bilingual, Germany has a pretty high percentage of proficient English speakers, unlike some other parts of 'old' Europe. Germany also has a relatively booming economy and cannot fill the amount of vacancies it has, which means a further draw for the young and ambitious student/early-careerist

You have a misconception of what is really happening in Berlin. I am brazilian, I do not live in Germany, I do not speak german, and yet I can use english to get in touch. The "official startup language" is english, and it should be that way anywhere for a long time if they wish to succeed internationally.
Also, I did not said that Berlin is a current alternative: it's a possible future alternative. They are doing a good job, they attract talented people from near countries (including France) and they cost less than London, for example. Just keep an eye, please. At least it will not be a surprise for you when it's stablished.